Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Bible Study

I brainstorm with my father.

Now this may not sound really off the wall until I reveal that he is a pastor. I know what you're thinking. Eew! I mean, erotic romance writer throwing around ideas with her father, the reverend... "Eew" factor aside, I've had some of the best idea-brewing sessions with him.

Of course, we don't hash over love scenes. First, he is my father. And I can't think of him and my mother having sex without throwing up in my mouth, much less discuss the ins-and-outs of my scenes. Not that he hasn't tried to school me on the elements I need to include, but, uh no. So not going there. What we do discuss is the bible.

Some of the greatest love stories are found in scripture! Solomon and the Shulamite woman. Ruth and Boaz. Jacob and Rachel. You have bromance. David and Jonathan. Sacrificial and unconditional love. Hosea and Gomer. Lust and revenge. Amnon and Tamar. Sisterhood. Ruth and Naomi. Betrayal. Samson and Delilah. Mass destruction. Sodom and Gomorrah. Redemption. Jacob and Esau. Forgiveness. Joseph and his brothers.

There is so much! And the material is endless. I know some people may object to using biblical stories as ideas for fiction. But, as a writer, I'm not trying to revise scripture. And, no, I am not a heretic, but what better story than David and Bathsheeba to use as a foundation to illustrate lust, treachery, the consequences of betrayal, and ultimately, love and forgiveness? The time period, setting and names may differ. David could be the king of the Fae and Bathsheeba the human queen of a kingdom on the other side of the Veil. But the emotion, relationship, growth and redemption surpasses genre and the characters' race.

As a romance writer, the suspense, murder, paranormal or historical themes are secondary to--you guessed it--the romance. Love is most important. It heals. Saves. Redeems. Brings joy and life. I can't think of a more appropriate resource of love than the bible.

If you were to base a story on a biblical story, which one would you choose?

2 comments:

I've twisted the Eve story myself. Just now the image of Jacob with Leah and Rebecca popped into my mind. There's a lot of great stuff in the bible from which to build. I think it's so cool you brainstorm with your father. He sounds like a happening guy.